Recent Reviews

"The mot was done in perfect timing, was told I’d be given a call around 11:30, 1 hour after I dropped the car off. I received my call at exactly 11:29 to say it was done and ready to pick up! Super happy with the service and communication received"

"Everything was made very easy, friendly service and really pleased with the work and communication throughout. Really happy to have found a local garage that are a pleasure to deal with and we can trust. Will definitely be back next year."

"I just chose a day I wouldn't need my car and booked it, my car got picked up in the morning and returned to me by a friendly man later. He took payment straight away so I didn't need to worry about anything at all! The price was incredibly reasonable for what I had done and the work seems to have been done well!"

"Jupiter Garage are lifesavers! On the day of the actual service my car refused to start due to a flat battery. Not only did they fit a new battery at a very affordable price but they collected my car from where I live, so that the service could go ahead and I wouldn't miss work. Absolutely outstanding service, I wish I had known about them earlier. I'm planning to become a regular customer."

What is coolant?

Coolant is a specially-formulated chemical liquid, commonly known as antifreeze, that circulates through a car’s engine. It removes excess heat from a car’s engine by passing it through the car’s radiator. Furthermore, the solution contains inhibitors that protect the metal, plastic and rubber in the cooling system from corrosion. And, as the name antifreeze suggests, it also doesn’t freeze up in bitterly cold conditions, so it plays an important role in a car all year long.

Why is changing the coolant important?

Coolant levels should be checked frequently, at least every 3-6 months. Low coolant can cause overheating, which would have serious implications for other components on the car. Even though coolant can leak and evaporate over time, in many cars it often looks as though the coolant never needs changing because its level seems to stay the same. However, draining and flushing the coolant system, including the radiator, at least once a year is important. Flushing pushes out all the old coolant, debris from corrosion and scale. If left in the engine, it may become clogged up, potentially causing extensive damage.

How is a coolant change done?

Before a mechanic drains the cooling system, he might add coolant cleaner to the coolant and then start the engine, depending on what the manufacturer specifies. After the car has run for a while, he would turn it off and drain it. He would then add water to flush it and drain it again, twice, before finally putting in the fresh coolant.

What are the possible signs that a car needs a coolant change?

When a car’s maintenance or engine temperature light illuminates on its dashboard.

If the car’s engine starts running at a higher temperature than usual, signifying that the engine is overheating.

How long does a coolant change take?

Approximately 1 hour.

How much does a coolant change cost?

Up to £50.

About Smart

Smart Automobile is a company headquartered in Böblingen, Germany, that has marketed a range of microcar and subcompact vehicles. Marketed in 46 countries across Asia, North and South America, Africa, Australia and Europe, the design concept for the company's automobiles was first developed at Mercedes in the early 1970s and in the late 1980s. It was quite a lengthy gestation period, and the first model was finally launched by Daimler-Benz in 1998. Several variants on the original design have been introduced, with the original two-seater (called the Fortwo) now in its third generation and the Smart now being available as a fully electric offering.

The brand name Smart derives from its early cooperative studies with Swatch and Mercedes: Swatch Mercedes ART - although we have to say, it does make it a bit difficult to search online with a name like that! Overall, it is a very specialised company that builds ultra-compact cars, designed to carry up to four passengers through congested city streets with ease.

What do you need from your garage?

You may live within walking distance of a garage which offers most of the services you need. However, by sticking
with the nearest garage in Chelmsford you could be missing out on a better deal. What if a garage with a collection / drop
off service or courtesy car could do the same job at a good price, without the inconvenience of losing your car for the
duration of the repair? BookMyGarage allows you to search for local garages which offer this facility, and compare their
prices, all in one session.